About Grace Christian Fellowship

No Perfect People Allowed!

At GCF you will find real people who are learning together. In fact, our only rule is “No Perfect People Allowed!” In other words: come as you are, but you’ll never stay as you are when you experience God’s grace.  

And, we also believe everyone, including you, has a next step in their spiritual journey. We’re happy to help and support you as you take that next step! 

We’re so glad you are learning more about GCF. If you have any questions, email us or call us at (6077493233, Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. 

Our Mission

We multiply followers of Jesus by changing lives through changed lives.  

Our Vision

Our long-term vision is multiplying followers of Jesus, leaders for Jesus, and churches with Jesus in Cortland area, Northeast America, and around the globe.

We believe Jesus is King, and his love changes everything.

“This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace.”

Colossians 1:6

GCF Statement of Faith

GCF believes the historical teachings of the Christian faith: 

  1. There is one true God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

  2. The 66 books of the Bible are inspired by God and authoritative. 

  3. All of humanity has rebelled against God and needs salvation.

  4. Hell is real because God’s justice is real.

  5. Heaven isn’t for good people; it’s for forgiven people. 

  6. Jesus lived a perfect life, died in our place, and was resurrected for our rescue. 

  7. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone.

  8. The church is a vital community established by God. 

  9. God’s gift of sexual intimacy is for a man & woman in marriage.

  10. Jesus is coming back again to rule and reign forever.

Brief History of GCF

GCF started in 1801 when Thomas Jefferson was president. Since then, 33 lead pastors have served the GCF congregation under the ultimate Lead Pastor, Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18).  

Grace Christian Fellowship has navigated lots of change over the last two centuries, but one thing hasn’t changed—the good news of Jesus! Thousands of people have found their way back to God through faith in Jesus at GCF. 

Through the courageous faith and perseverance of our core members, GCF’s current Fisher Avenue facility was built in 2005. 

The Name Grace Christian Fellowship 

The name of our church tells our story well. Grace is a gift from God that we don’t deserve. Christian means “little Christs,” which is who we want to be. Fellowship means loving one another well. For over 200 years, Grace Christian Fellowship continues to be a gift from God made up of people who want to be more like Jesus every day while connecting in loving community with each other. 

GCF Team

Healthy churches are led by healthy teams. At GCF, this terrific team prays together at the start of each work day. We laugh together, learn together and serve together as we multiply followers of Jesus across Central NY and beyond!

Dan Capalongo

Buildings & Grounds Campus Supervisor

dcapalongo@gcfcortland.org 

Kim Cobb

Grace Kids Director

kcobb@gcfcortland.org 

Sarah Dean

Front Office Support

office@gcfcortland.org

Kristy Harrison

Social Media Coordinator

kharrison@gcfcortland.org

Matt Harrison

Youth Pastor

mharrison@gcfcortland.org 

John Hartman

Pastor Emeritus 

jhartman@gcfcortland.org 

Jon Heisterkamp

Discipleship Pastor

jheisterkamp@gcfcortland.org

Josh Mowers

Grace Resident

jmowers@gcfcortland.org 

Dan Nichols

Lead Pastor 

dnichols@gcfcortland.org 

Margaret Shirley 

Executive Director 

mshirley@gcfcortland.org 

Lynne Sypher

Equipping Director

lsypher@gcfcortland.org 

Steve Thompson 

Worship, Care & Campus Pastor 

sthompson@gcfcortland.org 

Justin Bleuer

Ministry Coach

justin@bbctransform.org